leashes

 This says it is 6 ft but it seems longer, I dont' use it for hikes or anything as I have a 20 ft cotton one for that but I really like this one  Ruffwear Flat Out Leash

The handle expands if you want to go around your waist or whatever and I have found that to be a great feature.  For normal walks I find it plenty long.  I used a 4ft leather leash until I got this one so that might be why it seems long

A show & conformation leash- 8ft- $18.90- on 216.247.114.103/ShopSite/page3.html. This leash is soft, pliable show lead, sewn at handle with brass buckle. You can specify color and width.

That does look cool -- and I actually totally didn't think of REI for leashes, but now that I think about it, I'll be in a plaza with an REI on Saturday, so I could check it out.  Not sure if they would have the closeout items, but maybe they would send it to the store without me having to pay shipping or something?

I still kinda think I was looking for something a little longer, but it looks like 6' will have to do unless I get something custom, or pay more for it.

Thanks :)

There are a lot of dog sport suppliers out there that make leather leashes and many will make what you want but don't always advertise the out of the ordinary.  We were talking about this at Schutzhund on Friday and our trainer (who has about 20 dogs in training and trains police dogs) recommended this person, said to call and they can make pretty much whatever you want.  He said they are in Ohio.

http://www.northcoastk9.com/LeatherGoods/index.htm 

Mechanical Angel

A show & conformation leash- 8ft- $18.90- on 216.247.114.103/ShopSite/page3.html. This leash is soft, pliable show lead, sewn at handle with brass buckle. You can specify color and width.

Do you guys think 1/4" is enough of a leash for everyday walking?  I'm used to things thicker....

Thanks for the link, as well as the one from Liesje, I will check them out!

I often use a 1/4" or thinner with Kenya, but if the dog pulls at all it cuts into your hand.  I use the very thin one at home for walking and training, but in new places where she is more likely to get excited I use a 1/2".

NicoleS

but maybe they would send it to the store without me having to pay shipping or something?

yes I do that all the time as I have a store close by - always free shipping to the store - I'm an REI junkie now!

Check out Tractor Supply Company.  I bought a pair of roping reins.  They come in leather and a round, nylon that looks like mountin climbing rope.  They're 7 foot long, and have a snap at both ends.  What I love about them is that I can adjust how much leash Caleb has just by sliding the one snap up and down.

I don't like leather leashes. I usually use horse lead ropes, thick soft nylon, nice and long, really cheap and sturdy. Tie two knots, one close to dog for traffic-leash, one at end.

TSC and REI are too great ideas -- we have REI local (and can shop online but I like to see things) but TSC is only by my folks who are in another state, so it would be a while before I could get to one in person.  Guess I'm doomed to pay for shipping somewhere!

Thanks for all the ideas, I'm off to go do some virtual shopping for now :)

 I have leather, nylon and biothane leashes. I ALWAYS use the biothane one. Here's a site:

http://www.seriousdogsupply.com/Products/Specialty_Leashes/Biothane_Gripease_Leashes/biothane_leashes.htm

 I use leather leads. I loooove my leads from jjdog.com. I use the 1/4", braided at the ends. I have a 4', a 6', and a 6' slip lead. I love all three of them. Once they were broken in, they became totally soft and pliable. They get very heavy use, and are lasting quite a long time.

NicoleS

TSC and REI are too great ideas -- we have REI local (and can shop online but I like to see things) but TSC is only by my folks who are in another state, so it would be a while before I could get to one in person.  Guess I'm doomed to pay for shipping somewhere!

Thanks for all the ideas, I'm off to go do some virtual shopping for now :)

Are there any tack shops or horse supply places near you?  The might have the roping reins, especially a tack shop.  They might be a little more expensive then TSC, tho.  The rope ones like what I have are easy enough to make- you just need a length of rope (a little longer than the finished product) and two snaps.  The snaps on mine are attached with a piece of leather, but you can use rope clamps to attach them, too. 

I have biothane grip material for my horse's reins and they are awesome, thanks for the link to the dog leashes. I don't understand the popularity of leather- ever tried to hang onto a slippery wet leather rein? plus it just doesn't stand up to weather and I always seem to end up getting rained on.